Dog Talk November, 2000
 First-Aid Kits
Every dog-owning family should have two canine first-aid kits--one
for home and one for traveling--and have the knowledge to use them. The
kits should contain a card with your dog's vital statistics (including
weight and "medical alert" information) and telephone numbers
for your veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, and local poison control
center. The following items are also a "must":
- Rectal thermometer (the only accurate gauge of your dog's body
temperature)
- Hydrogen peroxide or syrup of ipecac (to induce vomiting if the
situation warrants)
- Pepto-Bismol (to coat the digestive system)
- Milk of magnesia (a laxative)
- 12-milliliter syringe (for administering liquids by mouth)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Cotton swabs
- Bandaging supplies
Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kit is located and
immediately replace used-up items.
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